Bit O'Red trip blocks Hoops' path to cup final

SHAMROCK ROVERS will have to overcome a semi-final trip to Sligo Rovers if they are to secure a 25th FAI Cup after last night's draw landed Trevor Croly's charges with a journey to the Showgrounds, WRITES DANIEL McDONNELL.

SHAMROCK ROVERS will have to overcome a semi-final trip to Sligo Rovers if they are to secure a 25th FAI Cup after last night's draw landed Trevor Croly's charges with a journey to the Showgrounds, WRITES DANIEL McDONNELL.

The 2010 final between the two Rovers attracted 36,000 fans to the Aviva Stadium but only one will make it to this year's showpiece in Dublin 4.

They both came through all-Premier Division ties at the weekend, with the Hoops winning convincingly away to league leaders St Patrick's Athletic and the Bit O'Red successfully negotiating the visit of Derry City.

The other semi-final will be a Louth derby, with Stephen Kenny's Dundalk on their travels once again after thrashing Shelbourne at Tolka Park on Friday night.

Kenny's charges are chasing an unlikely double and face a short hike to Hunky Dorys Park after Mick Cooke's men came through last night's replay with Finn Harps.

Before then, the Lilywhites travel to Inchicore on Friday for a top-two clash with St Pat's.

They have put in a request for more tickets after selling out their initial allocation of close to 1,000.

The cup semi-finals will take place on Sunday October 6 and both will be broadcast live on RTE2.